Trip planning for Summer 2016 (N. Falls & NYNY). . help?

[bert425]

Hi folks,

 

so after considering Dollywood and/or Busch Gardens Tampa/Orlando, it looks as if we are gonna attempt our trip this year to include Niagara Falls, and then going into Manhattan for 4-5 days.

 

I was thinking that we'd fly to Niagara Falls (via Buffalo. . since we cant get a reasonable flight to Toronto. . . seriously, 15 hours and 3 plane changes from Austin???), and stay 2 nights/3 days on the USA side, with a trip across to the Canadian side for 1 of those days. Then we'll go back to Buffalo airport to fly into LaGuardia (was looking at doing the train, but not only is it 9+ hours, but it's more expensive than the dang flight would be!).

 

so we're likely going to be staying near Times Square (or close to mid-town), and on our plan for the 4-5 nights in NY are going to be:

 

State of Liberty/Ellis Island, Guggenheim, MoMA, Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo, Wall Street/Fulton St. Fish Market, and at least 2 shows (Broadway or Off-Broadway). We also will have to meet up with family while there, and a friend or two. .but that will likely be for a meal.

 

of course, I am also planning 1 full day down at Coney Island.

 

so that ties up at least 3-4 days. But we were also thinking of maybe squeezing in an additional Theme Park while there (although we won't have a car rented). Looking at the maps, I can't really tell *which* is the best/closest park to Manhattan that we might be able to go to for a day.

 

any suggestions?

 

(or touristy things, I might be missing?). Nick has never been, and it's been YEARS since I've been to Manhattan.

** I see they have CityPass in NY, so might consider that as well. . tho I think the 911 memorial/museum is going to be a no-go (simply too emotionally draining for us to go to).

 

Any suggestions are welcomed

[djcoastermark]

It has been a while since I've been to the Falls, but I always found it cheaper with the exchange rate to stay on the Canadian side. Maid of the Mist is always cool. Ive done it both from the C side and the US side and prefered the Canadian side. Also the Canadian side is much prettier than the US side and the parklands are much better maintained on the Canadian side. Cave of the Winds is really cool too as is the aeriel tram a few miles downstream of the falls. All only accesible from the Canada side. (plus if you're a M Monroe fan, watch the film Niagara to get you in the mood. It can be a bit tourist trappy , but some of it is tacky fun.

[bert425]

It has been a while since I've been to the Falls, but I always found it cheaper with the exchange rate to stay on the Canadian side. Maid of the Mist is always cool. Ive done it both from the C side and the US side and prefered the Canadian side. Also the Canadian side is much prettier than the US side and the parklands are much better maintained on the Canadian side. Cave of the Winds is really cool too as is the aeriel tram a few miles downstream of the falls. All only accesible from the Canada side. (plus if you're a M Monroe fan, watch the film Niagara to get you in the mood. It can be a bit tourist trappy , but some of it is tacky fun.

 

hmm. . I wonder, could we fly into Buffalo, and then cross over to the Canadian side to stay at the Marriott over there?

 

or would we need to fly into the Canadian side?

[I305forever]

^ If you're a fan of gaming, there are quite a few nice casinos on both sides of the border.

[Brassinthegrass]

Not sure your going to want to do a FULL day at Coney Island... Might I suggest a late afternoon/evening? That was you can see it all lit up (which is pretty cool) and see a nice sunset.

[Nrthwnd]

If you go to Coney Island on a Wednesday, why not get to Times Square TKTS for half-price tix (it used to cost

that much) to a Broadway Show (they used to open at noon for a 2pm matinee). Then when the show's over,

you get down to Coney Island and enjoy the rest of your day there, night lights, sunset and all.

[boldikus]

But we were also thinking of maybe squeezing in an additional Theme Park while there (although we won't have a car rented). Looking at the maps, I can't really tell *which* is the best/closest park to Manhattan that we might be able to go to for a day.

 

Parks near Coney by distance

 

If you are going to be there in summer there is a bus that goes from NYC to Great Adventure. Its an hour and half ride or so but El Toro is worth it.

[DoinItForTheFame]

so we're likely going to be staying near Times Square (or close to mid-town)...

 

My advice here is don't stay to close to Time Square. We stayed in Time Square when we went to NYC this past July, and it was a nightmare. Anytime you want anything, even if it is something as simple as McDonalds, that is RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE HOTEL... You have to deal with hundreds of thousands of people. A simple 10 minute trip to grab a bite to eat ends up taking 2 hours. Everything is so busy, and so packed in Time Square, that I would HIGHLY suggest avoiding staying in, or near Time Square. Time Square is nice to visit while you are there but staying in it gets really annoying, really fast.

 

 

State of Liberty/Ellis Island, Guggenheim, MoMA, Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo, Wall Street/Fulton St.

 

If you really don't have a need to go TO the Statue Of Liberty, try doing one of the sightseeing ferries instead. They give you a great view of the entire city, as well as taking you under the Brooklyn Bridge, and around the Statue Of Liberty. You get great views of the Statue Of Liberty without having to deal with going TO the Statue Of Liberty. When we were there it was about a 4 hour wait just to buy tickets to get to the Statue Of Liberty. So like I said if you don't need to go TO the Statue Of Liberty, try just taking a sightseeing tour around the Statue Of Liberty, it will save you almost a full day! Also, there are a lot of people in Time Square who will be selling tickets for the "Open Top Bus Tours" They are not only a great way to see the city, but they are hop on hop off. So once you buy your ticket for the tour buses which most will include a sightseeing ferry ride around the Statue Of Liberty, then you can use the buses like a Taxi Service. You can get on near your hotel, and ride it to a stop near where you want to go, and save a lot of walking!

 

 

...at least 2 shows (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

 

If you haven't seen it check out Wicked!! It is an amazing Broadway show! Highly recommended.

 

...of course, I am also planning 1 full day down at Coney Island.

 

Not sure if you need to spend a "Full Day" at Coney Island. (Unless you just want to) We were there for a few hours and we were able to do everything we wanted to do. We got there at about 7pm, and we were done by 11pm.

 

Also, spend the like $36 to get the one week unlimited metro pass. It will get you unlimited rides on the Subway System which will save you hours of walking. (Also, spend the 30 minutes it takes to learn how to USE the subway) and you'll be set. You can take the Subway all the way from Time Square to Coney Island... But it's going to take about an hour. So make sure you are planning that travel time when you are planning to go down to Coney Island!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

I hope this helps a little! If I think of anything else that might help I'll let you know! Good luck!

Edited January 2, 2016 by DoinItForTheFame

[Nrthwnd]

Actually, if you plan it now, you "might" be able to score good seats for Hamilton.

 

Just a suggestion.

[bert425]

If you go to Coney Island on a Wednesday, why not get to Times Square TKTS for half-price tix (it used to cost

that much) to a Broadway Show (they used to open at noon for a 2pm matinee). Then when the show's over,

you get down to Coney Island and enjoy the rest of your day there, night lights, sunset and all.

 

hmmm. . thanks (and to BrassintheGrass) on the suggestion for an evening at Coney Island.

 

the only issue will be Nick (who is already terrified of riding on the Subway), being willing to do so after dark!).

 

seriously . . . .

[bert425]

But we were also thinking of maybe squeezing in an additional Theme Park while there (although we won't have a car rented). Looking at the maps, I can't really tell *which* is the best/closest park to Manhattan that we might be able to go to for a day.

 

Parks near Coney by distance

 

If you are going to be there in summer there is a bus that goes from NYC to Great Adventure. Its an hour and half ride or so but El Toro is worth it.

 

so that's the closest Six Flags?

 

(we want to meet up w/ friends who will have a car on one day, and are hoping that will be the theme park day. . tho all of us on a bus would be good too).

 

and that's the park w/ Kinda Ka, as well as El Toro. . . so an hour and a half isn't bad. . .

[bert425]

so we're likely going to be staying near Times Square (or close to mid-town)...

 

My advice here is don't stay to close to Time Square. We stayed in Time Square when we went to NYC this past July, and it was a nightmare. Anytime you want anything, even if it is something as simple as McDonalds, that is RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE HOTEL... You have to deal with hundreds of thousands of people. A simple 10 minute trip to grab a bite to eat ends up taking 2 hours. Everything is so busy, and so packed in Time Square, that I would HIGHLY suggest avoiding staying in, or near Time Square. Time Square is nice to visit while you are there but staying in it gets really annoying, really fast.

 

 

State of Liberty/Ellis Island, Guggenheim, MoMA, Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo, Wall Street/Fulton St.

 

If you really don't have a need to go TO the Statue Of Liberty, try doing one of the sightseeing ferries instead. They give you a great view of the entire city, as well as taking you under the Brooklyn Bridge, and around the Statue Of Liberty. You get great views of the Statue Of Liberty without having to deal with going TO the Statue Of Liberty. When we were there it was about a 4 hour wait just to buy tickets to get to the Statue Of Liberty. So like I said if you don't need to go TO the Statue Of Liberty, try just taking a sightseeing tour around the Statue Of Liberty, it will save you almost a full day! Also, there are a lot of people in Time Square who will be selling tickets for the "Open Top Bus Tours" They are not only a great way to see the city, but they are hop on hop off. So once you buy your ticket for the tour buses which most will include a sightseeing ferry ride around the Statue Of Liberty, then you can use the buses like a Taxi Service. You can get on near your hotel, and ride it to a stop near where you want to go, and save a lot of walking!

 

 

...at least 2 shows (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

 

If you haven't seen it check out Wicked!! It is an amazing Broadway show! Highly recommended.

 

...of course, I am also planning 1 full day down at Coney Island.

 

Not sure if you need to spend a "Full Day" at Coney Island. (Unless you just want to) We were there for a few hours and we were able to do everything we wanted to do. We got there at about 7pm, and we were done by 11pm.

 

Also, spend the like $36 to get the one week unlimited metro pass. It will get you unlimited rides on the Subway System which will save you hours of walking. (Also, spend the 30 minutes it takes to learn how to USE the subway) and you'll be set. You can take the Subway all the way from Time Square to Coney Island... But it's going to take about an hour. So make sure you are planning that travel time when you are planning to go down to Coney Island!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

I hope this helps a little! If I think of anything else that might help I'll let you know! Good luck!

 

thanks for the advice, it is all greatly appreciated.

 

to respond to a few specific things:

 

Times Square - good point, but I'd like to stay near the theater district, so to me that was Times Square. But that's why I was keeping Mid-town as an option too. So maybe closer to the Museum District, and we can subway it/or cab it to any shows we attend.

 

Statue of Liberty -- remember, Nick has never been, so we not only want to go to Liberty (and Ellis) Islands, we want to go up to the crown. (I've found a place online that will let us book the ferry and the tickets to the crown online, for only $28 each. .which seems SUPER reasonable).

 

Wicked -- seen the touring show, and loved it, so it's definitely an option. Really, we don't have anything specific on our wish list, so it will be a case of "what's available" and we'll buy tickets to it. (in particular the TXTS booth, or asking my Cousin to pick up some tix for us for whatever shows he can grab).

[boldikus]

so that's the closest Six Flags?

Yes.

 

and that's the park w/ Kinda Ka, as well as El Toro

and Nitro, Zumanjaro, and of course Skull Mountain. And a solid supporting cast in Batman, Bizarro, Superman, Sky Screamer, Runaway Mine Train, a classic parachute ride, classic sky ride, classic log flume, a decent rapids ride, etc

[coasterbill]

I'm far too hammered to answer this question properly right now but I have two major pieces of advice. 1) The American side of the falls is an embarrassment. Go to Canada, stay in Canada and drink lots of Tim Hortons while you're there. 2) Listen to everyone and go to Great Adventure... Because El Toro.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I do agree with everyone else on here. Spend a day going to Great Adventure. You won't regret it.

[larrygator]

Times Square - good point, but I'd like to stay near the theater district, so to me that was Times Square. But that's why I was keeping Mid-town as an option too. So maybe closer to the Museum District, and we can subway it/or cab it to any shows we attend.

 

Instead of eating anyplace packed in Times Square walk a block or two west (8th Avenue and 9th Avenue) for less crowds and a huge variety of food options (especially on 8th Avenue)

 

Try this place for awesome burgers and grilled chicken http://www.islandburgersandshakes.com/

[bert425]

Times Square - good point, but I'd like to stay near the theater district, so to me that was Times Square. But that's why I was keeping Mid-town as an option too. So maybe closer to the Museum District, and we can subway it/or cab it to any shows we attend.

 

Instead of eating anyplace packed in Times Square walk a block or two west (8th Avenue and 9th Avenue) for less crowds and a huge variety of food options (especially on 8th Avenue)

 

Try this place for awesome burgers and grilled chicken http://www.islandburgersandshakes.com/

 

that looks delicious and amazing!

[larrygator]

Times Square - good point, but I'd like to stay near the theater district, so to me that was Times Square. But that's why I was keeping Mid-town as an option too. So maybe closer to the Museum District, and we can subway it/or cab it to any shows we attend.

 

Instead of eating anyplace packed in Times Square walk a block or two west (8th Avenue and 9th Avenue) for less crowds and a huge variety of food options (especially on 8th Avenue)

 

Try this place for awesome burgers and grilled chicken http://www.islandburgersandshakes.com/

 

that looks delicious and amazing!

 

I used to get lunch there once a week when I worked in the area. But seating is very limited, they have a sister restaurant about 8 blocks south with the same menu plus salads and fries, but for the life of me I can't remember the name

[A.J.]

and that's the park w/ Kinda Ka, as well as El Toro

and Nitro, Zumanjaro, and of course Skull Mountain. And a solid supporting cast in Batman, Bizarro, Superman, Sky Screamer, Runaway Mine Train, a classic parachute ride, classic sky ride, classic log flume, a decent rapids ride, etc

How dare you forget Blackbeard's Lost Treasure Train. HOW DARE YOU.

[Philrad71]

It has been a while since I've been to the Falls, but I always found it cheaper with the exchange rate to stay on the Canadian side. Maid of the Mist is always cool. Ive done it both from the C side and the US side and prefered the Canadian side. Also the Canadian side is much prettier than the US side and the parklands are much better maintained on the Canadian side. Cave of the Winds is really cool too as is the aeriel tram a few miles downstream of the falls. All only accesible from the Canada side. (plus if you're a M Monroe fan, watch the film Niagara to get you in the mood. It can be a bit tourist trappy , but some of it is tacky fun.

 

hmm. . I wonder, could we fly into Buffalo, and then cross over to the Canadian side to stay at the Marriott over there?

 

or would we need to fly into the Canadian side?

 

As long as you have passports, you can fly into Buffalo/Niagara and then stay on the Canadian side if you wish. Depending on what days you stay there will dictate whether the rooms will be insanely expensive. I have heard that weekends pretty much any day of the year are expensive if you want a room anywhere near the Falls.

 

For the American side, make sure to visit Goat Island where you can walk to the brink of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. The Cave of the Winds tour is in this park, so if it's a nice day, make sure to check that out...the price is very reasonable. If you want a close-up view of the rapids before the Falls, be sure to check out 3 Sister's Island, which is right on the loop on Goat Island (they also have trolley tours if you don't want to walk to all of the view points).

 

As others have mentioned, there are not a ton of things to do on the American side, although I will credit them that they are FINALLY starting to realize that and have some interesting plans for the area in the future, albeit probably not before your visit.

 

The Canadian side definitely has more things to do if you are into tacky attractions from the 50's and 60's. Haunted houses, Ripley's, Guinness, mini-golf, etc...all on Clifton Hill. The ferris wheel is a great way to get a nice view of the Falls.

 

Other things to visit on the Canadian side are Table Rock, Journey Behind The Falls, the Skylon Tower, Niagara On The Lake (further North of NF), the Floral Clock and if you are a thrill seeker, the gondola ride over the Whirlpool rapids or the Whirlpool jet boat tour are both a lot of fun.

 

And you probably already know that Martin's Fantasy Island is only a stone throw away from Niagara Falls on the American side, Marineland is close to the Falls on the Canadian side & Darien Lake is about an hour east of NF.

[coasterbill]

I can't stress enough how bad the American side is. If you go to Niagara Falls and stay on the American side you'll be regretting it for the entire trip.

 

As a New Yorker, Times Square is really overrated. (Though of course you'll want to visit... It's cool for what it is) Don't eat anything in Times Square, all the food is really expensive to cover their insane rents (yes, even the chain restaurants are much more expensive than anywhere else) and none of it is that good. There's no need to stay in Times Square. As far as food goes though I'd suggest going down to Lombari's pizza in Little Italy. It's right off the F train... Or better yet do Scott's pizza tour. Also, book the Statue of Liberty WAY in advance of you want to do that.

[Philrad71]

Just had another thought...

 

I had a business associate come for a visit this past summer with his wife and he said that they got a room at the Embassy Suites in downtown Buffalo for 1/2 the price (about $130) for the same hotel in NF.

 

Just something to keep in mind if you don't want to pay the high prices. Unless there is a big event going on in Buffalo, you can get a much nicer hotel for about 1/2 the price if you don't mind driving the 20 minutes from B-Lo to NF. Plus there are better food options and walking around the downtown waterfront is a nice way to spend an hour or two.

[Mrlittle]

Or better yet do Scott's pizza tour.

 

This.

www.scottspizzatours.com

[ArgoZ]

Niagara Falls. The American site is relatively small but still nice. You can spend a few hours there. You can actually walk across the Rainbow bridge to get there if you desire. NF, New York is not a desirable city. The Canadian side can take a full day or even more, depending on what you want to do. Definitely stay in Canada with your strong dollar. If you shop around, I would expect you to find a fallsview room for under $200 night. I know I could find one for less, but I live here. My favorite hotel is the Tower Hotel. Affordable and amazing views with full windows beside your bed. Buy the Niagara Parks package which includes Maid of the Mist, Aerocar, Rapids walk (don't skip), Butterfly exhibit and hop on and off transportation. Go on the huge Ferris wheel at the tacky Clifton Hill area. Dinner atop the rotating Skylon tower is awesome. Fallsview Keg at the Embassy is another popular dinner spot. A night time stroll on the Canadian side is beautiful. Better views of the American Falls all lite up. I always fly out of Buffalo, hardly ever Toronto. No lines, traffic and great flight prices. The traffic between Toronto and Niagara Falls can drive you bonkers.

 

Statue of Liberty. Definitely go in the morning before the island gets swamped, which is the rule for any NY city attraction. If you have reserved Crown passes, you will be fine as they are limited, but the ferries get so crowed in the afternoon. Liberty Park, NJ has free parking, better views of Manhattan, and is far less hectic than Battery Park. In fact, to touch on what someone else mentioned, NY can be expensive and busy everywhere with NO parking. I stayed in cheaper NJ and used the ferry/subway to cross.

[ArgoZ]

Just had another thought...

 

I had a business associate come for a visit this past summer with his wife and he said that they got a room at the Embassy Suites in downtown Buffalo for 1/2 the price (about $130) for the same hotel in NF.

 

Just something to keep in mind if you don't want to pay the high prices. Unless there is a big event going on in Buffalo, you can get a much nicer hotel for about 1/2 the price if you don't mind driving the 20 minutes from B-Lo to NF. Plus there are better food options and walking around the downtown waterfront is a nice way to spend an hour or two.

 

This would be OK if one were only to visit the American side. The Canadian Fallsview hotels are all much nicer and you are getting over 30 cents on the dollar right now. No better time to splurge for that amazing fallsview room. A good day will take 40 minutes to drive and enter into Canada. Add up that time and cost back and forth to Buffalo and it's not worth it, IMO.